The £460m redevelopment of Woking Town Centre is officially under way, with the first phase of demolition now complete, kickstarting a major regeneration project which will create hundreds of jobs and spearhead a new era of investment. We speak to the people behind the project to find out what it means for Woking, its businesses and citizens, and how you can get behind it.
Thanks to a multi-million-pound investment and planned redevelopment, by 2020, Woking Town Centre will have transformed into a new and improved vibrant town centre fit for the 21st Century which meets the needs of all the businesses and people in Woking, the surrounding area and the broader south east.
The work is thanks to a joint venture between Moyallen, owners of Peacocks Shopping Centre, and Woking Borough Council, called Victoria Square Woking Limited (VSWL), which will deliver the £460 million development with contractor Sir Robert McAlpine.
One of the first elements of the redevelopment is the new Victoria Square, which will encompass the former Woking Market, Post Office, Globe House, Woking Fire Station and part of the existing Wolsey Place Shopping Centre.
Cllr David Bittleston, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “This development offers an unrivalled opportunity to shape a prosperous future for Woking and make our ambitions a reality. Woking Town Centre will soon enjoy a new, vibrant and bustling heart – a great place to work in, visit and live and we’re really excited that the plans are already taking shape.”
In order to keep businesses and residents informed and involved in the major redevelopment throughout the construction and operations works, a new multi-media information campaign has been launched to drive greater awareness around the ambitious scheme. #WeAreWoking will include frequent news updates, information and advice about the development, including transport and access arrangements.
Peter Robinson from Moyallen said the recently launched communications campaign would help ensure everyone felt part of the new and improved Woking Town Centre, and encouraged local businesses to get behind the plans for the town and be part of its achievements: “The success of Woking’s future is dependent on everyone working together as a team, exhibiting unity and drive which will attract further interest and investment. As our community continues to develop, we are excited to help local businesses to come together using our bespoke website and social media channels.”
Woking in Numbers
- Approx. £500 million has been ringfenced for the entire project.
- From 2020, Woking Town Centre will see:
- more than 125,000 square feet of new retail floor space
- 435 build-to-rent residential apartments
- multi-story car parking
- a medical centre
- two public plazas
For updates on progress, travel and transport advice and for information on opportunities available, including retail and residential lettings, visit
www.wearewoking.com
